As I write this post a huge bank of fog is pouring over Angel Island and the Bay Bridge, easily viewed from our living room window, is completely blanketed in milky clouds this morning…such a difference from yesterday. The kids {and dogs} headed out to the barn early yesterday morning to spend some time with the horses while Michael and I enjoyed the morning sunshine crossing the Bay aboard a ferry destined for the San Francisco Farmers’ Market. Abundant sunshine, crystal clear skies, warm temperatures {and a Giants’ home game} brought heavier-than-normal crowds to the Ferry Building.

As we travelled from stall to stall securing spectacular peaches, plums and blueberries, as well as beautiful garden lettuces and some gorgeous Italian garlic, both Michael and I agreed that the early heirloom tomatoes, although tempting, simply did not have that deep robust character found in the fruit of deep summer. The small cherry tomatoes, on the other hand, are incredibly sweet right now so they will satisfy our immediate tomato cravings. Walking through the market yesterday I was reminded of a poignant entry written by Russell Norman in his book, POLPO, A Venetian Cookbook {Bloomsbury Publishing, 2012}…”Vegetables obey the seasons in a way that meat and fish simply do not. There is a rhythm to what grows, and when it appears in the markets, throughout the year.”

As for my market treasures today…

Here are the mushrooms which will used for the sauce served over our Prosciutto-Stuffed Chicken Breasts on Sunday…

And this gorgeous Italian garlic {harvested Friday morning} will add amazing flavor to our Garlicky Greens as well as the Vinaigrettes for our salads throughout the week…

And this lovely fruit will make its way into breakfast smoothies, onto lunch plates and topping yogurt or ice cream for snacks and desserts throughout the week…

Finished with our shopping, Michael & I shared a light lunch at The Slanted Door before making our way back to the ferry. Spring Rolls packed with Shrimp, Rice and Mint…

And raw oysters…

The calm waters enjoyed during our morning ferry ride into San Francisco gave way to choppy seas and strong winds gusting through the Golden Gate heading home. My plan of taking a photo or two was replaced with holding on to my hat and dodging sea spray for the entirety of the trip! Such a fun day!!!

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Kitchen Table Wisdom

"There is enormous pleasure in cooking good food simply and in sharing the cooking and the eating with friends & family. I think it is the best antidote to our overstressed modern lives. And there is nothing better than putting a plate of delicious food on the table for the people you love."
~ Alice Waters

"I would rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck"
~ Emma Goldman

"...no one is born a great cook, one learns by doing." ~ Julia Child {My Life In France}

"Eat together. No matter how modest the meal, create a special place to sit down together, and set the table with care and respect. Savor the ritual of the table. Mealtime is a time for empathy and generosity, a time to nourish and communicate." ~ Alice Waters

"Dining with one's friends and beloved family is certainly one of life's primal and most innocent delights, one that is both soul-satisfying and eternal." ~ Julia Child